CHAPTER XXV pages 478-495 By Charles C. Jones Volume II - Revolutionary Epoch, 1888 Submitted by: Dena Whitesell Still suffering from the effects of the small-pox, Colonel Clarke was too feeble to take the saddle at the time appointed for the reassembling of his men at Dennis9 Mill on Little River. Consequently, Lieutenant-Colonel Micajah Williamson assumed the command and, on the 16th of April, 1781, moved with the detachment to the vicinity of Augusta. There he was reinforced by Colonel Baker with as many militia as he had been able to collect in Southern Georgia, and by Captains Dunn and Irwin who brought with them some men from Burke County. Soon after, Colonel Hammond and Major Jackson arrived with such of the Carolina militia as they had been successful in recruiting in the neighborhood of Augusta. With this force, which was numerically a little superior to that possessed by the enemy but far inferior in discipline and equipment, Colonel Williamson occupied a position twelve hundred yards distant from the British works and there fortified his camp. It is believed that the exaggerated accounts of the American strength conveyed to Colonel Brown deterred him from making an attack which would probably have eventuated in success. For nearly four weeks had the republicans been sitting down before Augusta, guarding all approaches to the town, confining its garrison within their defenses, and eagerly expecting reinforcements from General Greene's army preparatory to a general assault upon the British works. Wearied with the service, and despairing of the anticipated aid, the militia were on the eve of withdrawing when Major Jackson — as eloquent of speech as he was daring in war—by a patriotic address inflamed their ardor and changed their purpose. The arrival of Colonel Clarke and one hundred men on the 15th of May restored confidence and confirmed the resolution to prosecute the enterprise to a successful issue. Major Dill had collected a band of loyalists with the intention of reinforcing Brown and compelling the Americans to ruse the siege. Without waiting for his approach, Colonel Clarke dispatched Captains Shelby and Carr, with a strong party, who fell upon him at Walker's bridge on Brier Creek, killing and wounding a number of his men and dispersing the rest. Entertaining no apprehension of an attack from the enemy, Colonel Clarke sent his cavalry horses under a guard of six men, to Beech Island that they might be plentifully supplied with forage. Learning this fact, Colonel Brown detailed a force of regulars, militia, and Indians to proceed down the Savannah River in canoes to cut off the guard and capture the animals. In this mission they succeeded. Every man of the guard was slain. While returning with the horses, they were attacked by Captains Shelby and Carr, near Mrs. Bugg's plantation, and entirely routed. Not one of the enemy falling into the hands of the Americans was permitted to live. Nearly half the detachment was killed. All the horses were recovered. Unfurnished with artillery Colonel Clarke picked up an old four-pounder which had been abandoned by the British, mounted it, and employed a blacksmith to forge projectiles for it. This little piece was placed in battery about four hundred yards from Fort Grierson. So limited was the supply of ammunition that it was fired only on occasions the most favorable. General Pickens with four hundred men was operating between Augusta and Ninety-Six to cut off all communication between those posts. Eastward of Ninety-Six Colonels Branham and Hayes were recruiting their commands and intercepting supplies intended for the relief of that station. While thus engaged Colonel Hayes, who then had with him forty-five men, was suddenly attacked by Major Cunningham. Taking refuge in a house Hayes defended himself until further resistance appeared useless. He then surrendered upon condition that his men should be recognized and treated as prisoners of war. No sooner had they laid down their arms than they were assaulted and mudered to a man. Behold the temper and the faith of the loyalists! The investing force of the Americans was somewhat enfeebled at Augusta by a detail sent into the upper portion of Georgia and South Carolina to drive back some Indians and loyal refugees who were committing depredations upon the frontier. Such was the posture of affairs, and such were the events which transpired in the vicinity of Augusta just prior to the advent of General Pickens and Lieutenant-Colonel Lee. Fort Motte had fallen. So had Fort Granby. Within less than a month General Greene compelled Lord Rawdon to evacuate Cam-den, and forced the submission of the adjacent British posts. He was now moving forward for the close investment of Ninety-Six. The capture of Augusta was determined upon, so that by one continuous and decisive campaign the deliverance of the States of Carolina and Georgia from the domination of the king's forces might be thoroughly compassed, save in the cases of Charlestown and Savannah which could not, at the time, be readily assailed because the enemy ruled at sea. Meanwhile Colonel Cruger was busily engaged in strengthening his defenses at Ninety-Six, and was resolved to hold his post to the last extremity. General Pickens and Lieutenant-Colonel Lee were ordered to repair with their commands to Augusta and reduce that town. The latter officer, having narrowly observed the operations of the enemy at Ninety-Six and reported fully the condition of affairs to General Greene, took up his line of march across the country for Augusta. On the third day he arrived in its vicinity. He had been preceded by Captain Ferdinand O'Neale, who, with a party of light horse, was detached to collect provisions and acquire all information which might facilitate the consummation of the military operation immediately in hand. By this officer Colonel Lee was advised of the arrival at Fort Galphin of the annual royal present intended for the Indians. It consisted of powder, ball, small arms, liquor, salt, blankets, and other articles which were sadly needed in the American camp. For the protection of these valuable supplies two companies of infantry had been detailed by Colonel Brown from his command at Augusta, and they were, at the moment, garrisoning Fort Galphin. With a view to the possession of these coveted articles, and that Brown's force might be permanently weakened by the capture of these two companies, Colonel Lee resolved upon the immediate reduction of the fort at Silver Bluff. Of his proximity to Augusta the enemy seems not to have been aware. His movements had evidently been rapid and well concealed. Quick action was imperatively demanded. Leaving Eaton with his battalion, the artillery and the exhausted men of the legion to follow on more leisurely, and mounting a detachment of infantry behind his dragoons, Colonel Lee pressed on by a forced march toward Fort Galphin. This work, situated on the left bank of the Savannah River about fifteen miles below Augusta, consisted of the substantial brick residence erected by George Galphin, the famous Indian trader, surrounded by a Btockade. Dreadnaught the English called it, and the bold bluff near which it stood had long been known as Silver Bluff. The morning of the 21st of May, 1781, was sultry beyond measure. For miles not a drop of water had been found to quench the violent thirst of trooper and horse. Men and animals were sorely oppressed as they halted beneath the pines which skirted the field surrounding the fort. Ignorant of the approach of Colonel Lee and his command, the enemy was resting quietly within the stockade. The fierce rays of the sun smote everything with a blinding and paralyzing influence which forbade all exertion not imperatively demanded. But the prize was at hand and moments were precious. Pausing but a little while for his command to recover breath, Colonel Lee dismounted such militiamen as accompanied the expedition and ordered them to demonstrate against the fort from a direction opposite to that then occupied by him. Confidently conjecturing that the garrison, upon the appearance of the militia, would speedily issue from the stockade and resist the threatened attack, Colonel Lee resolved to seize upon the instant and, by a rapid assault, capture the post when thus bereft of its defenders. To that end Captain Rudolph (whom an ill-defined tradition identifies as the famous Marshal Ney in disguise), with such infantry as was capable of quick action, was held in readiness at the opportune moment to rush upon the fort. The remaining foot-soldiers, supportied by a troop of dragoons, took a position whence the militia could be surely and readily shielded, in their retreat, from any injury which the parsuing garrison might seek to inflict. Such was the strategy devised by the accomplished Light Horse Harry. Most successfully was it consummated. As had been anticipated, at sight of the demonstrating militiamen the garrison flew to arms and, rushing from the fort, advanced to repel the threatened attack. After a show of resistance the militia retreat, drawing the garrison after them in hot pursuit. Just then Captain Rudolph with his detachment sweeps rapidly across the field and envelops tha stockade. The resistance offered by the few defenders remaining within is feeble and is speedily crushed. The dragoons, foot-soldiers, and rallying militia close in upon the enemy in the field, and quick surrender follows. The Americans lost but one man during the engagement, and he perished from excessive heat. Only three or four of the enemy fell in the affair. The capture of the entire garrison, and the possession of the valuable stores concentrated within the stockade, proved a rich reward for the toil and suffering involved in the adventure. The entire affair, its conception, the strategy employed, and its consummation were alike creditable to the young Virginian and his brave followers. But a few short hours did Colonel Lee tarry with his command at Fort Galphin. Suitable provisions having been made for securing the fruits of his dashing triumph, he hastened on to join Pickens and Clarke and to participate in those operations which eventuated in the surrender of Brown at Augusta. Compared with many other engagements which occurred within the confines of the Carolinas and of Georgia during our eight years' struggle for independence, this capture of Fort Galphin will perhaps be reckoned as the small dust of the balance, and yet it was not devoid of significance or lacking in important consequences. It supplied a needy army with stores which it sadly craved. It weakened the royal forces in Augusta and conduced most materially to the capitulation of that town. It inspired the Revolutionists with fresh courage, and nerved their arms for further exhibitions of valorous emprise. Major Eaton, meanwhile, with the rest of the legion formed a junction with General Pickens at the Cherokee ponds, six miles from Augusta. Together they moved forward and united with the forces engaged in the investment of that town. Having rested his infantry, Colonel Lee dispatched Major Eggleston at the head of his cavalry to cross the Savannah River at Wallicon's ferry, three miles below Augusta, and to cooperate with Pickens and Clarke. That officer's instructions were to make himself thoroughly acquainted with the situation of the enemy, as his com manding officer desired definite information upon which he could promptly act upon arrival. He was further enjoined, without delay, to send in a flag communicating the fact of the near approach of a portion of General Greene's army, informing Colonel Brown that Ninety-Six was closely invested by the main body led by tbe commanding general, and urging the propriety of an immediate surrender. Brown had previously refused to receive flags coming from, or to hold any communications with, militia officers. Eggleston being the senior continental officer there present, Colonel Lee, in view of all the circumstances, deemed it best that he should be deputed to attempt this negotiation. Colonel Brown treated the flag with contempt, refused to answer the dispatch, and forbade a renewal of the interview. Colonel Lee arrived during the evening of the 21st, and took post with Pickens and Clarke in the woods bordering Augusta on the west. This town was then small, containing only a few hundred inhabitants. At a short remove from the habitations, the valley in which Augusta was situated was covered with dense woods, with cleared fields here and there. Cornwallifl, the principal fort occupied by the enemy, was situated in the northerly portion of the central part of the town, having complete command of Savannah River and the adjacent territory. In after years the ground upon which it stood was set apart for holier uses. Here was erected a temple dedicated to the worship of the God of Peace, and St. Paul's Church, of blessed memory, now proclaims its message of salvation where formerly thundered the malignant guns of this war-begrimed fort. Half a mile to the west the plain was then interrupted by a fagune or swamp which connected Beaver Dam Creek with the Savannah River. On the northwestern border of this lagone, and near its confluence with the Savannah, a second fort was located, called Grierson in honor of the loyalist colonel who commanded its garrison. British regulars were stationed in Fort Cornwallis, while the tenure of Grierson was confided to militia. Colonel Lee confesses that he was "considerably ruffled" at the .contemptuous treatment which Major Eggleston received, and that his determination was to enter into no communication with the British commander until it was solicited by himself. After a careful consideration of the situation it was resolved to drive Grierson out of his fort and either capture or destroy him in his retreat upon Cornwallis. To this end arrangements were speedily made. General Pickens and Colonel Clarke, with the militia, were to attack from the north and west. Major Eaton, with his battalion, was to approach the fort from the south and cooperate with the militia, while Colonel Lee, with the infantry and artillery, moving southeast of the lagune and parallel with Eaton, was to hold himself in readiness either to support his attack, if required, or to attend to the movements of Brown should he quit his defenses and interpose for the salvation of Grierson. Major Jackson with his Georgia militia was to accompany and act under the orders of Major Eaton. The cavalry under Eggleston were ordered to draw near to Fort Cornwallis, keeping under cover of the wood and prepared to fall upon Brown's rear should he advance against Lee. Promptly did the commands respond to the duties to which they were respectively assigned. Most vigorous were the attacks by Pickens and Eaton. Lee's movement being open to view, Brown, withdrawing his garrison and leading out two field-pieces, advanced as though he purposed delivering battle in aid of Grierson. Upon second thought deeming it too hazardous to persevere in this attempt, he checked his forward movement and confined his interposition to a cannonade which was returned by Lee, little effect being produced on either side. Finding his resistance fruitless, Grierson determined to evacuate his fort and escape with his command to Fort Comwallis. Throwing open the gate the garrison rushed down the lagune to the river bank and under its cover endeavored to make their way to Cornwallis. In the perilous attempt thirty were killed and forty-five wounded and captured. Comparatively few succeeded in.escaping. The major of the garrison was killed and the lieutenant-colonel captured. After surrendering, Colonel Grierson himself was shot to death by a Georgia rifleman. So cruel had been his practices, and so odious was his character, that the troops could not be restrained from inflicting this summary punishment, wholly unjustified as it was by the rules of civilized warfare. Although a reward was offered by the American commanders for the naming and apprehension of the party by whom the deed had been committed, no disclosure occurred. Captain shot by one of the sons of the venerable Mr. Alexander in revenge for the indignities heaped upon that aged patriot Doubtless it was well known in the army whose hand pulled the fatal trigger; but, as the information was not officially brought to the attention of the commander, no notice was taken of the affair beyond the vain offer of the reward to which allusion has been made. " The militia of Georgia under Colonel Clarke," says the author of ( Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department of the United States,' " were so exasperated by the cruelties mutually inflicted in the course of the war in this State that they were disposed to have sacrificed every man taken, and with great difficulty was this disposition now suppressed. Poor Grierson and several others had been killed after surrender, and although the American commandants used every exertion and offered a large reward to detect the murderers, no discovery could be made. In no part of the South was the war conducted with such asperity as in this quarter. It often sunk into barbarity." Although the American loss was trivial, it involved the death of Major Eaton of North Carolina, an excellent and beloved officer, who " fell gallantly at the head of his battalion in the moment of victory." Perceiving that he had to deal with officers skilled in the art of war, and that the investing force was bent upon his capture, Colonel Brown expended every energy in adding to the security of his position. With fiendish malignity he placed in the bastion of his fort most exposed to the fire of the American rifles the aged Alexander and other prisoners who had long pined in captivity. Among the companies closely investing Comwallia was one commanded by Captain Samuel Alexander. It was a hellish deed, this subjecting a parent to the. chances of death at the hand of a devoted son. Nothing now remained for the Americans but, by regular approaches, to compel a surrender. Accordingly the troops were set to work with all the tools which could be collected from neighboring plantations, and with such as had been captured at Fort Galphin. Fort Cornwallis being near the Savannah River, and the bank of that stream affording additional protection to the enemy, it was resolved to break ground in that quarter and to extend the works of the besiegers towards the left and rear of the fort. Brigadier-General Pickens, with the militia, took post in the woods on the British left, while Lieutenant-Colonel Lee with his corps established himself in a large brick building, the mansion-house (Probably Mr. Edward P. Campbell) of a gentleman who had joined the enemy, situated just south of the confluence of the lagune with the Savannah River. The condition of the wounded prisoners required medical stores and attention which could not be supplied in the American camp. Privilege was asked to apply to Colonel Brown for this needed assistance. Pickens and Lee answered "that after the ungracious determination to stop all intercourse announced by the commandant of Fort Cornwallis, disposed as they were to obey the dictates of humanity, it could not be expected that any consideration would prevail with them again to expose the American flag to contumely." To the captive officer who preferred the request permission was granted to wait upon Colonel Brown, with the pledge that he would immediately return so soon as his reply was had. A letter was prepared expressing the regret with which the American commanders allowed a flag to pass from their camp, though borne by a British officer, after the treatment experienced on a recent occasion, and assuring the commandant of Fort Cornwallis " that no consideration affecting themselves or their troops would ever have led to such a condescension." To this letter Brown returned a polite response, offering excuses for his former conduct. Although the American works progressed with commendable rapidity and began to assume formidable proportions, so level was the ground that it was found to be a very difficult matter to secure a platform sufficiently elevated to render the only reliable field-piece in camp effective in casting its projectiles within the fort. Under the circumstances it was deemed proper to construct a " May ham tower," which had proved so valuable in the reduction of Fort Watson. Orders were issued for cutting and transporting the necessary timber. While Colonel Brown had up to this point patiently contemplated the American approaches, the heaps of fresh earth seen day by day within the fort indicated that he had been busily engaged in some counter operations. On the 28th, at midnight, he fell with great vigor upon the American works in the river quarter and drove out the guard. It was only after a severe conflict, in which Captain Handy, commanding the support, played a conspicuous part, that the trenches were regained and the enemy forced to seek shelter in the fort. This vehement attempt to destroy the approaches induced Colonel Lee to detai his infantry for their protection daring the night-time. To the special service were they assigned, being relieved from all other duty. " On the succeeding night Brown renewed his attempt ia the same quarter, and, for a long time, the struggle was continued with mutual pertinacity till at length Captain Rudolph, by t combined charge with the bayonet, cleared the trenches, driving the enemy with loss into his stronghold." During the night of the 80th, and on the ensuing day, the tower was raised nearly on a level with the parapet of the fat Its interior was filled with fascines, earth, stone, brick, and every available material calculated to impart strength and solidity to the structure. " At the same time the adjacent works ii rear of the fort were vigorously pushed to the enemy's left to connect them with the tower which was the point of their termination." Perceiving the danger which threatened, Brown resolved to destroy this tower. In anticipation of the execution of such a purpose the lines in that quarter were doubly manned, and Handy's infantry was conveniently posted in support. Captains Handy and Rudolph were placed in charge of the lines, and a company, armed with muskets, was detailed for the protection of the tower. Before midnight, on the 31st of May, the British commander, with the strength of his garrison, made a desperate sortie against the American works, which, although it entailed considerable loss, was eventually repulsed. Foiled in his efforts, he resorted to the construction of an elevated platform in the angle of his fort just opposite the " Mayham tower." Upon it two of his heaviest pieces of ordnance were mounted. With these he opened fire upon the tower. Regardless of this annoyance, the builders continued their labors. On the 1st of June the tower was completed, an embrasure cut, and the six-pounder gun lifted into position. From its elevated platform this gun speedily dismounted the two pieces in the fort, raked its interior, and commanded it entirely, with the exception of the segment nearest the tower and a few points sheltered by traverses. Wishing to shun needless slaughter, and confident that their operations would speedily eventuate in the reduction of Fort Cornwallis, General Pickens and Colonel Lee, on the 31st of May, sent a flag to Colonel Brown covering this communication:— " Sir,—The usage of war renders it necessary that we present yon with an opportunity of avoiding the destruction which impends your garrison. " We have deferred our summons to this late date to preclude the necessity of much correspondence on the occasion. You see the strength of the invading forces, the progress of our works: and you may inform yourself of the situation of the two armies by inquiries from Captain Armstrong of the Legion who has the honour to bear this." Colonel Brown's response was characteristic of the man : — " Gentlemen, —What progress you have made in your works I am no stranger to. It is my duty and inclination to defend this place to the last extremity." Balked in his attempts to destroy the " Mayham tower" by force of arms, Brown resorted to the following stratagem. During the night of the 1st of June a wily Scotchman, a sergeant of artillery, made his appearance in the American camp in the character of a deserter from Fort Cornwallis. Brought before General Pickens and Colonel Lee, and being interrogated with regard to the effect produced by the six-pounder gun and as to the situation of the enemy, he answered that the erection of the tower gave an advantage which, if properly improved, would not fail in forcing a surrender, but that the garrison had not suffered as much as might have been expected. He added that it was amply supplied with provisions and that it was in high spirits. w In the course of the conversation which followed," says Colonel Lee, " I inquired in what way could the effect of the cannonade be increased? Very readily, replied the crafty sergeant: that knowing the spot where all the powder in the fort was deposited, with red hot balls from the six-pounder, directed properly, the magazine might be blown up. This intelligence was received with delight, and the suggestion of the sergeant seized with avidity, although it would be very difficult to prepare our ball as we were unprovided with a furnace. It was proposed to the sergeant that he should be sent to the officer commanding our battery and give his aid to the execution of his suggestion, with assurances of liberal reward in case of success. This proposition was heard with much apparent reluctance, although every disposition to bring the garrison to submission was exhibited by the sergeant who pretended that Brown had done him many personal injuries in the course of service. But, he added, it was impossible for him to put himself in danger of capture, as he well knew he should be executed on a gibbet if taken. "A good supper was now presented to him with his grog: which, being finished, and being convinced by the arguments of Lea that his personal safety could not be endangered as it was not desired or meant that he should take any part in the siege, but merely to attend at the tower to direct the pointing of the piece, he assented, declaring that he entered upon his task with dire apprehensions, and reminding the lieutenant colonel of his promised reward. Lee instantly put him in care of his adjutant to be delivered to Captain Finley, with the information communicated, for the purpose of blowing up the enemy's magazine. " It was midnight, and Lieutenant Colonel Lee expecting on the next day to be much engaged, — our preparations being nearly completed, — retired to rest. Reflecting upon what had passed, and recurring to the character of his adversary, he became much disquieted by the step he had taken, and soon concluded to withdraw the sergeant from the tower. He had not been many minutes with Captain Finley before an order remanding him was delivered, committing him to the quarter guard." Fortunate was it that this pretended deserter was quickly placed in confinement. It subsequently transpired that he had been sent out by Colonel Brown for the express purpose of destroying by fire the Mayham tower. Colonel Lee at first was entirely deceived by him, and unwittingly issued an order which exactly coincided with the scheme of the sergeant and afforded him a favorable opportunity of fulfilling his mission. On the morning of the 2d of June the besiegers were saluted with another exhibition of the activity and strategy of the British commander which came very near inflicting frightful loss. Between the quarters of Colonel Lee and the fort stood four or five deserted houses, some of them so near the latter that they would afford convenient shelter to riflemen delivering their fire from the upper stories. They had been suffered to remain because Pickens and Lee hoped to utilize them upon the final assault for which preparations were being made. Sallying out just before the break of day, Colonel Brown burned all of these dwellings save the two nearest the fort. Why these were spared many were at a loss to conjecture. The reason became manifest at a later stage of the operations. Still desirous of compassing a surrender without resorting to an assault, General Pickens and Colonel Lee, on the 3d of June, repeated their summons in the following language: — "Sir, — It is not our disposition to press the unfortunate. To prevent the effusion of blood, which must follow perseverance in your fruitless resistance, we inform you we are willing, though in the grasp of victory, to grant such terms as a comparative view of our respective situations can warrant. "Your determination will be considered as conclusive, and will regulate our conduct." Still unyielding, and with characteristic boldness courting the chances of the future, Brown responded: — " Fort Cornwallis, June 3, 1781 "Gentlemen,—I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your summons of this day, and to assure you that, as it is my duty, it is likewise my inclination, to defend this post to the last extremity." The fire of the six-pounder gun was mainly directed against the parapet of the fort fronting on the river. Toward that quarter it was proposed that the main attack should be launched. Orders were issued for a general assault at nine o'clock on the morning of the 4th. During the night of the 3d the best marksmen from Pickens' militia were sent to the house nearest the fort. The officer in command was instructed to arrange his men in the upper story so as to ascertain how many of them could be used to advantage, and then to withdraw and report to the commanding general. It was intended that this structure should be occupied by the same officer with such a force of riflemen as he should declare to be sufficient. To Handy's Marylanders and the infantry of the legicfti was the main assault from the river quarter entrusted. Due preparation having been made, the troops remained in their stations, " pleased that the time was near which would close with success their severe toils." " About three in the morning of the 4th of June," says Colonel Lee, " we were aroused by a violent explosion which was soon discovered to have shattered the very house intended to be occupied by the rifle party before daybreak. It was severed and thrown into the air thirty or forty feet high; its fragments falling all over the field. This explained at once not only the cause of Brown's omitting its destruction, but also communicated the object of the constant digging which had, until lately, employed the besieged. "Brown pushed a sap to this house which he presumed would be certainly possessed by the besieger when ready to strike his last blow: and he concluded, from the evident maturity of our works and from the noise made by the militia when sent to the house in the first part of the night for the purpose of ascertaining the number competent to its capacity, that the approaching morning was fixed for the general assault. Not doubting bat the house was occupied with the body destined to hold it, he determined to deprive his adversary of every aid from this quarter: hoping too, by the consternation which the manner of destruction could not fail to excite, to damp the ardor of the troops charged with storming." It was indeed a narrow escape. Even in his extremity Brown was fruitful in resources. His resolution never forsook him, and his blows were vigorous to the last. As the army was waiting the signal for the assault, the American commanders, moved by the perilous situation of the captives, who had long been held in confinement within the fort, made this appeal to its commanding officer: — "Headquarters, June 4, 1781 " Sir, — We beg leave to propose that the prisoners in your possession may be sent out of the fort, and that they may be considered yours or ours as the siege may terminate. "Confident that you cannot refuse this dictate of humanity and custom of war, we have only to say that any request from you of a similar nature will meet with our assent." It was urged in vain, as the following response testifies: — " Gentlemen, —Though motives of humanity, and a feeling for the distresses of individuals, incline me to accede to what you have proposed concerning the prisoners with us; yet many rear sons to which you cannot be strangers forbid my complying with this requisition. " Such attention as I can show, consistently with good policy and my duty, shall be shown to them." Before an advance was ordered, an officer with a flag was seen approaching from Fort Cornwallis. He bore this message from Colonel Brown to General Pickens and Colonel Lee: — " Gentlemen, — In your summons of the 3d instant, no particular conditions were specified: I postponed the consideration of it to this day. " From a desire to lessen the distresses of war to individuals, I am inclined to propose to you my acceptance of the inclosed terms, which, being pretty similar to those granted to the commanding officers of the 'American troops and garrison in Charles-town, I imagine will be honourable to both parties." It being now manifest that a surrender would be compassed without a final appeal to arms, operations were suspended for the day, and the commanding officers turned their attention to negotiations which culminated on the following morning in the proposal and acceptance of these articles of capitulation : — " Article I. That all acts of hostilities and works shall cease between the besiegers and besieged until the articles of capitulation shall be agreed on, signed, and executed, or collectively rejected. " Answer. Hostilities shall cease for one hour; other operations to continue. " Article II. That the fort shall be surrendered to the commanding officer of the American troops such as it now stands. That the King's troops, three days after signing the articles of capitulation, shall be conducted to Savannah with their baggage, where they will remain prisoners of war until they are exchanged : that proper conveyances shall be provided by the commanding officer of the American troops for that purpose, together with a sufficient quantity of good and wholesome provisions till their arrival in Savannah. "Answer. Inadmissible. The prisoners to surrender field prisoners of wan The officers to be indulged with their paroles: the soldiers to be conducted to such place as the Commander-in-chief shall direct. " Article III. The militia now in garrison shall be permitted to return to their respective homes, and be secured in their persons and properties. "Answer. Answered by the second article, the militia making part of the garrison. "Article IV. The sick and wounded shall be under the care of their own surgeons, and be supplied with such medicines and necessaries as are allowed in the British hospitals. "Answer. Agreed. "Article V. The officers of the garrison, and citizens who have borne arms during the siege, shall keep their side arms, pistols, and baggage which shall not be searched, and retain their servants. "Answer. The officers and citizens who have borne arms during the siege shall be permitted their side arms, private baggage and servants; their side arms not to be worn, and the baggage to be searched by a person appointed for that purpose. "Article VI. The garrison at an hour appointed shall march out, with shouldered arms and drums beating, to a place to be agreed on where they will pile their arms. "Answer. Agreed. The judicious and gallant defence made by the garrison entitles them to every mark of military respect The fort to be delivered up to Captain Rudolph at twelve o'clock, who will take possession with a detachment of the Legion infantry. " Article VII. That the citizens shall be protected in their persons and properties. " Answer. Inadmissible. " Article VIII. That twelve months shall be allowed to all such as do not choose to reside in this country, to dispose of their effects, real and personal, in this Province, without any molestation whatever, or to remove to any part thereof as they may choose, as well themselves as families. "Answer. Inadmissible. " Article IX. That the Indian families now in garrison shall accompany the King's troops to Savannah, where they will remain prisoners of war until exchanged for an equal number of prisoners in the Creek or Cherokee nations. "Answer. Answered in the second article. "Article X. That an express be permitted to go to Savannah with the commanding officer's dispatches, which are not to be opened. "Answer. Agreed. "Article XI. (Additional.) The particular attention of Colonel Brown is expected towards the just delivery of all public stores, moneys, &c, and that no loans be permitted to defeat the spirit of this article. "Signed at Headquarters, Augusta, June 5th, 1781, by Andrew Pickens, B. O. ML Henry Lee, Junr, Lieut. Col. com. Thomas Brown, Lieut. Col. commanding King's troops at Augusta," The postponement of the surrender until the 5th was very gratifying to Colonel Brown, as the 4th was the anniversary of the birthday of the king. For some time prior to this capitulation, so destructive was the fire maintained by the Americans, especially from the six-pounder gun mounted in the " Mayham tower " which searched almost every part of the fort, that the besieged were compelled to dig holes in the earth for their protection. Any exposure of the person during the day involved almost certain death.1 At eight o'clock on the morning of the 5th the British garrison, Borne three hundred strong, marched out of Fort Cornwallis and Major Rudolph took possession of it. Captain Armstrong of the dragoons, with a safeguard, was detailed to protect Colonel Brown from the threatened violence of the militia who, justly incensed at his many bloody deeds and acts of tyranny, eagerly sought his life. Young McKay, whose brother had been inhumanly put to death by Brown at Wiggin's Hill, watched an opportunity to shoot the British commander. He was conducted to Colonel Lee's quarters where he remained until the next day, when he and a few of his officers were paroled and sent down the river to Savannah under the charge of Captain Armstrong and a party of infantry instructed to guard' him until he was beyond the reach of danger. At Silver Bluff he was recognized by Mrs. McKay who accosted him thus: " Colonel Brown, in the late day of your prosperity I visited your camp and on my knees supplicated for the life of my son, but you were deaf to my entreaties. You hanged him, though a beardless youth, before my face. These eyes have seen him scalped by the savages under your immediate command, and for no better reason than that his name was McKay. As you are now prisoner to the leaders of my country, for the present I lay aside all thoughts of revenge: but when you resume your sword I will go five hundred miles to demand satisfaction at the point of it for the murder of my son." The loss sustained by the British was fifty-two killed and three hundred and thirty-four wounded and captured. Sixteen of the Americans were slain and thirty-five wounded. Shortly after the capitulation General Pickens and Colonel Lee, with the prisoners, crossed the Savannah River and joined General Greene, who was still conducting the investment of Ninety-Six. Heartily welcomed were these officers and their commands. To them was General Greene pleased to express in general orders " the high sense he entertained of their merit and service." His thanks were also publicly rendered for the "zeal and vigor exhibited in the execution of the duty assigned to them." To Major James Jackson, whose early exertions payed the way for the final reduction of the post, was the command of Aagnsta entrusted. Here he remained, with occasional absences on important enterprises, until the assembling of the legislature in August, 1781, when Dr. Nathan Brownson was elected governor and Colonel John Twiggs, in consideration of his long and meritorious services, was complimented with the commission of brigadier-general.1 Meanwhile, acting under authority conferred by General Greene, he had raised a partisan legion in command of which he continued until the close of the war. Among the stores in Fort Cornwallis, subject to distribution among the captors, was a quantity of Indian goods. It being found impracticable to divide them out without encumbering too much the troops still engaged in active service, that portion falling to the lot of the Georgians was placed in the hands of John Burnet, with directions to transport these goods to some safe place in the western part of the State where they were to be kept until a suitable opportunity arose for their equitable distribution. Burnet always professed an ardent attachment to the American cause. Under pretense of harassing the loyalists in the low country, he had recently, with some followers, visited some of the wealthy settlements south of Savannah and indiscriminately robbed friends and foes of their slaves and personal property. He then held in the vicinity of Augusta some sixty negroes whom he had thus captured. Professing that he had taken them from loyalists, and offering to throw them into hotchpot with the goods so that a more generous dividend might be declared to Georgia soldiers who, during the war, had borne heavy burthens and sustained grievous losses, he so won the confidence of officers and men that the booty was delivered into his custody. Undertaking to remove it beyond all possible recaption by the enemy, he journeyed towards the mountains of Upper Georgia. Once fairly out of reach, he disclosed to his companions his design of quitting the country and appropriating this spoil. Sympathizing in the rascally purpose, they assisted him in making his way to the Ohio River where, procuring boats, they passed down to Natchez and there divided the stolen property. Thus were the Georgia troops who participated in the reduction of Augusta defrauded out of their share of the booty. The capture of Augusta, while it raised the spirits of the republicans to a high pitch of exultation and encouraged the fainthearted to emerge from their hiding-places and stand up like men in the ranks of the Revolutionists, exerted a most depressing influence upon the minds and hopes of the king's servants. Governor Wright, at Savannah, called so lustily for aid that Lord Rawdon, weak as he was, was persuaded to part with the king's American regiment and send it from Charlestown, in small craft and without convoy, to the relief of that royal governor. In this wise did he give expression to his distresses and apprehensions : " It gives me the greatest concern to acquaint you of the loss of Augusta by Colonel Brown being reduced to the necessity of capitulating, and as you well know the consequences that must be attendant on this I need say little, but must observe that if this Province is not recovered from the Rebels without tfie least delay I conceive it may be too late to prevent the whole from being laid waste and totally destroyed and the people ruined. We are now in a most wretched situation. I shall not reflect on the causes, but the grand point is to recover back what we have lost, if it be possible, and to prevent further misfortunes and injury to his Majesty's service. "Our distresses are many, and how to furnish the militia on actual duty with rations I can't tell, for there is not a single barrel of beef or pork to be purchased here, even if I had the money to buy it. I trust therefore, Sir, that circumstanced as we are you will think it for his Majesty's service and really necessary to order some of the King's provisions here for the support of the militia on actual service, the number of which, I think, will be at least what is mentioned in the Minute of Council, besides those in and about town which, I suppose, amount to 300." PICTURE OF WAYNE     BACK TO HISTORY INDEX   ©Genealogy Trails